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Igenex test 488

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Posted 7/26/2018 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
The one thing I’m confused about is my IgM for the western blot with igenex. It says if 31 Ind and 41 + run test 488. My thyroid dr saw that note and said run test 488. I called Igenex and they said I was positive IgG there’s no reason to run 488 and insurance probably wouldn’t pay if I ran it. Is this possibly because if 488 confirms it it’ll be CDC positive or does this mean nothing. Is this an insurance thing? Worried if not CDC positive insurance might not pay for antibiotics?

Lyme western blot IgG positive. (Not CDC positive) Band 39 + 41 ++
IgM 31 Indeterminate 41 +

Thank you!
Posted 7/26/2018 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
"It says if 31 Ind and 41 + run test 488."

From Igenex site:

"only bands 31 and 41kDa OR only bands 31 and 83-93kDa are present.
Note: An indeterminate result could be due to presence of antibodies to viruses or other spirochetes. Therefore, the following confirmation test of an Indeterminate Western Blot IgM result is recommended: Test # 488 31 kDa Epitope Test IgM."


My husband had only 31 and 41 IgM show up on his WB. He had the Epitope test done and it came back showing that band 31 was indeed lyme. (it can RARELY be other 'things')

But, will they also change your Ind to a + because if they confirm that 31 is indeed borrelia - are they also going to bump it up from an IND to a + for an overall positive result?


The insurance may reject the positive IgG stating that means an 'old' infection... (Which is incorrect)

I think the cost is just over $100 for the Epitope test.

No, positive band 31 and 41 IgG won't be CDC positive. I believe it's 5 bands positive for that to happen.
Posted 7/26/2018 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Ok I understand now. Thank you. It would change me to positive and positive assuming it’s not a weird antibody. They said they keep my blood for 2 months. Let me see how my appointment goes with my dr. I appreciate Igenex saying you’re already positive and you’d pay the 125.

Yes you’re right it would be CDC positive that would be 23-25, 39 & 41.

Thank you!

Post Edited (Val319) : 7/26/2018 1:01:04 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/26/2018 7:01 PM (GMT 0)

Val319 said...
Ok I understand now. Thank you. It would change me to positive and positive assuming it’s not a weird antibody. They said they keep my blood for 2 months. Let me see how my appointment goes with my dr.

Yes you’re right it would be CDC positive that would be 23-25, 39 & 41.

Thank you!

But, you have an Ind not a + on that band...even identifying that it's borrelia with the epitope test...it will still be an IND not a + on the band 31, right?

....or are they looking at perhaps also changing the IND to a + ?
Posted 7/26/2018 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
I called Igenex. They said my insurance should cover it (I’m still gonna get hit with a 20% bill from what I understand). If they confirm 488 positive it does change lab results to IgG positive and IgM positive. They change the test results.
Posted 7/26/2018 7:52 PM (GMT 0)

Val319 said...
I called Igenex. They said my insurance should cover it (I’m still gonna get hit with a 20% bill from what I understand). If they confirm 488 positive it does change lab results to IgG positive and IgM positive. They change the test results.

Oh - so they’re looking at changing the ind to a +
AND confirming with another test that the 31 is indeed Borrellia?

So two different things going on.


Will you post the final result here?
Posted 7/26/2018 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Yes that is what they do. I talked to them again and got their fax in case I need it. They keep my blood for 2 months. They said this time if neither IgG or IgM is positive they recommend 488 or 489. Since IgG is positive they don’t recommend it.
Posted 7/27/2018 12:54 AM (GMT 0)

Val319 said...
Yes that is what they do. I talked to them again and got their fax in case I need it. They keep my blood for 2 months. They said this time if neither IgG or IgM is positive they recommend 488 or 489. Since IgG is positive they don’t recommend it.


"...this time if neither IgG or IgM is positive they recommend 488 or 489"

Are you saying you're redoing the WB again? I'm confused....lol.


I would just go with the IgG positive result.
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